At a glance the quick version
UK breed page gives 2.15-2.38 kg (4-5.25 lb); other guides give 4-5 lb or about 2.5 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, dense, silky fur (not wool); compact lop-eared body
A short, broad, well-muscled little lop with a luxurious coat about 4-5 cm long. The heavier top hairs sit over a softer undercoat, and the coat should feel silky rather than woolly.13
Personality what they are like
A friendly, playful and clever rabbit that often comes to greet familiar people and enjoys being stroked. Well-socialised Cashmere Lops are gentle and can make good family pets, and many can be litter trained.145
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs a few hours of safe free-roaming time each day outside its sleeping area to run, play and explore.56
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The long coat needs regular attention: young rabbits under about five months benefit from frequent combing, and adults need grooming at least weekly, more during moults. Tease out tangles gently and keep nails trimmed. The UK breed page recommends talking to experienced breeders first.125
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully. It can live indoors or outdoors as long as the hutch is weatherproof and shaded.61
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.61
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.61
The story where it all began
Around 1980 a Welsh breeder, Miss Turner, spotted a few Dwarf Lop babies with noticeably longer, thicker coats, and these became the start of the breed; another account links it to Holland Lop and English Angora crosses. Its soft coat reminded people of cashmere goat fibre, which gave it its name, and the British Rabbit Council recognised it in the mid-1980s.1243
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed is named after the cashmere goat, because its coat felt as soft as cashmere fibre.2
- 2
It started as a surprise: long-coated babies turning up in ordinary Dwarf Lop litters.2
- 3
A smaller version, the Miniature Cashmere Lop, followed about ten years after the original.1
- 4
Content Cashmere Lops may softly grind or 'chatter' their teeth.5
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed with a standard, separate from the Dwarf Lop since the 1980s.3
- ARBA
- Not recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cashmere Lop. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingLong wool mats quicklyevery day
- Wool trimevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cashmere Lop?
Feed unlimited hay or grass every day, as it should form the bulk of the diet. Offer a small measured portion of pellets and some leafy greens daily, following the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts. Fresh water must always be available.617 Furry Diary plan
What should a Cashmere Lop eat, and which foods are dangerous?
The main diet is unlimited hay and grass, plus leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes. Never give meat, dairy, or processed human food, and always provide fresh water.6178
Should I bathe a Cashmere Lop?
Bathing is generally not recommended for rabbits as it can cause stress and coat problems. For a Cashmere Lop, focus on regular brushing and spot cleaning instead. If you think a bath is absolutely necessary, ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.
Does a Cashmere Lop need brushing?
Yes, daily brushing is recommended because the long coat mats quickly. Adults need grooming at least weekly, and more often during moults. Use a gentle comb and tease out tangles carefully.125 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cashmere Lop's nails and teeth?
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly because they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay to help wear down teeth naturally. Ask your vet for guidance on trimming if you're unsure.125 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Cashmere Lop need?
Provide a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high for a pair, tall enough to stand up and long enough to stretch. Give at least four hours of safe free-roaming time daily to run, play, and explore.615 Furry Diary plan
Should a Cashmere Lop live alone or with friends?
Cashmere Lops are sociable and should live with at least one compatible rabbit. They also enjoy gentle time with their human family. Never keep them alone, as they need companionship.61
How long does a Cashmere Lop live?
With good care, a Cashmere Lop can live between 7 and 12 years. Providing a proper diet, space, and regular vet check-ups helps them enjoy a long, happy life.15
Is a Cashmere Lop a good pet for children?
Well-socialised Cashmere Lops are gentle and can make good family pets, but they need careful handling and supervision with young children. Always teach children how to interact gently and respectfully with the rabbit.145
How do I hold a Cashmere Lop?
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, and never lift by the ears or scruff. Approach calmly and let the rabbit feel safe before picking it up. For detailed handling guidance, ask a good breeder or your vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- PetGuide: Cashmere Lop petguide.comused for history, coat, colours, lifespan, temperament, grooming
- Fur & Feather: Cashmere Lop furandfeather.co.ukused for history, name, weight, care, colours
- Cashmere Lop (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, BRC recognition, weight
- Omlet: Cashmere Lop Rabbits omlet.usused for alternative origin account, weight, temperament
- Hepper: Cashmere Lop Rabbit articles.hepper.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, fun fact
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.